Lightweight led lighting systems for permanent and semi-permanent mounting on elevated structures having integrated support and thermal transfer features

Abstract

The invention relates to lightweight LED lighting systems for permanent and semi-permanent mounting on elevated structures, the lighting systems having integrated support and thermal transfer features. The systems are particularly suited for elevated mast systems and specifically for mast systems that are repeatedly lifted and lowered such as drilling and service rig masts. Specifically, the invention improves a) the weight/lumen ratios of LED lamp assemblies and LED lighting systems, b) the net added weight of LED lighting systems, c) the footprint of LED light systems and/or d) obviates the need for removing LED lighting systems or their sub-assemblies when transporting mast systems.

Claims

1. An integrated lighting and railing system for attachment to a crown of a rig mast comprising: at least one LED lamp assembly, each LED lamp assembly having at least one LED lamp operatively contained within a lamp assembly housing and thermally connected thereto; a combined air flow conduit (AFC) and railing, the combined AFC and railing including at least one substantially vertical and at least one substantially horizontal AFC members, the AFC members arranged as a railing structure and configured for attachment to an upper region of a rig mast, the AFC members supporting the at least one LED lamp assembly and defining an air flow path through the AFC members to each LED lamp assembly to effect cooling of each LED lamp assembly, and wherein the integrated lighting and railing system has railing dimensions substantially corresponding to an existing mast-top steel railing.

2. The integrated lighting and railing system as in claim 1 further comprising a forced air system operatively connected to the AFC to move air through the AFC and towards each lamp assembly.

3. The integrated lighting and railing system as in claim 2 further comprising a controller operatively connected to the forced air system, the controller for controlling a flow rate of air through the AFC, the controller responsive to a measured temperature at one or more LED lamp assemblies to increase or decrease the flow rate of air based on a measured temperature.

4. The integrated lighting and railing system as in claim 1 wherein the AFC members are aluminum.

5. The integrated lighting and railing system as in claim 1 wherein the lamp assembly housing has a thermal mass sufficient to effect cooling of the LED lamp assembly and to maintain an operating temperature of the LED lamp assembly at a recommended temperature during use at ambient conditions only when air is flow against the LED lamp assembly housing from the AFC.

6. The integrated lighting and railing system as in claim 1 where the LED lamp assemblies are retractable with respect to a central axis of the rig mast to enable transportation of the rig mast with the LED lighting system attached.

7. A method for retrofitting an LED lighting system to a rig mast to reduce a net added weight of the LED lighting system to the rig mast, the method comprising the steps of: a) removing existing mast-top steel railings from a rig mast; and, b) attaching an integrated lighting and railing system to the mast top, the integrated lighting and railing system having at least one LED lamp assembly, each LED lamp assembly having at least one LED lamp operatively contained within a lamp assembly housing and thermally connected thereto; and a combined air flow conduit (AFC) and railing, the combined AFC and railing including at least one substantially vertical and at least one substantially horizontal AFC members, the AFC members arranged as a railing structure and configured for attachment to an upper region of a rig mast, the AFC members supporting the at least one LED lamp assembly and defining an air flow path through the AFC members to each LED lamp assembly to effect cooling of each LED lamp assembly and wherein the integrated lighting and railing system has railing dimensions substantially corresponding to the existing mast-top steel dimensions.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Various objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the invention. Similar reference numerals indicate similar components.

(2) FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic cross sectional (FIG. 1A) and top (FIG. 1B) views of a typical prior art LED lamp assembly having LEDs within a housing.

(3) FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F and 2G are various perspective views (FIGS. 2-2F) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 2G) of a lighting system having a heat transfer conduit (HTC) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(4) FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D are various perspective views (FIGS. 3-3C) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 3D) of an LED lighting system having a branched heat transfer conduit (HTC) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(5) FIGS. 4 and 4A are a cross-sectional view (FIG. 4) and perspective view (FIG. 4A) of a ducted cooling system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention and FIG. 4B is perspective view of a ducted cooling system having radial fins on a lamp assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(6) FIGS. 4C and 4D are schematic cross-section and perspective views of an LED lamp assembly having a ducted collar to provide even air flow to an LED lamp assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(7) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an integrated LED lighting and railing system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(8) FIGS. 6 and 6A are schematic top (FIG. 6) and cross-sectional (FIG. 6A) views of an LED light panel array having a telescopic arm that functions as a heat sink in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(9) FIG. 7 is a diagram of an integrated light assembly (IA) configured to one corner of a drilling mast in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(10) FIG. 7A is a diagram of eight integrated light assemblies (IAs) configured to four corners of a drilling mast in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(11) FIG. 7B is a bottom view of an IA in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(12) FIG. 7C is an isometric view of an IA with portions of the heat transfer conduit removed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(13) FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view through a lamp assembly showing a typical beam path from a reflector in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(14) FIG. 7E is a cross-sectional and isometric view of a lamp assembly and reflector heat sinks in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(15) FIGS. 7F-7I are isometric and cross-sectional views of a reflector pair in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(16) FIG. 7J is an isometric view of an LED reflector heat sink in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(17) FIG. 7K is an isometric view of a LED printed circuit board in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(18) FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a control system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

(19) FIGS. 9 and 9A are sketches of the light projection pattern of a lighting system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(20) With reference to the Figures, LED lamp assemblies and LED lighting systems are described that combine structural and heat dissipation properties in combined systems that significantly reduces the weight of LED lamp assemblies and LED lighting systems.

(21) Although many of the Figures illustrate and/or describe configuration to drilling rigs with higher lumen outputs, these are not meant to be limiting and it is understood that the systems described can be modified for configurations with applicability to smaller service rigs, other rigs of various heights, weights, geometry, etc. and are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The systems described herein may also be integrated with other support systems. Various embodiments and aspects of the current invention are described that achieve one or more of the following: a. provide a desired level of lighting; b. reduce the overall net weight of an LED lighting system when compared to prior art systems; c. reduce the mass/lumen ratio of a LED lamp assembly and/or the mass/lumen ratio of an LED lighting system d. provide sufficient heat dissipation capabilities for the desired lighting; e. provide robust structural support to enable deployment in a variety of applications and particularly elevated structure applications; f. for drilling and service rig mast LED lighting systems, reduce the “net added weight” at the upper section of the mast by integrating and/or at least partially replacing, displacing and/or subsidizing functional uses and weights of other structural features of the rig mast at least partially with at least some aspects or components of the LED lighting system; g. provide a controller that manages the power delivery to LED lighting systems to align with the sunrise and sunset of any particular location; h. provide a power backup system to ensure uninterrupted LED lighting when the main site power fails. i. provide reflector optics enabling effective light projection over a defined area while reducing light pollution outside a projection area as well as defined blind spots when desired. j. provide a control system that enables effective interconnection of a number of lamp assembly modules depending on lighting needs.

(22) To achieve these objectives, the LED lighting systems and LED lamp assemblies described herein utilize combinations of separate and integrated LED housings, heat transfer/air flow conduits and support systems that enable effective heat dissipation through the support system or cooling air through the heat transfer conduits and/or support system. Generally, the LED lighting systems are operated to maintain an operating temperature of individual LEDs at or around a recommended operating temperature.

(23) FIG. 2 shows a typical drilling mast system 30 having a representative lighting system 32 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention mounted to upper corners of a drilling mast. For the purposes of illustration, as is known a typical drilling rig mast includes a number of substantially vertical members 30a, horizontal members 30b and various cross members 30c. The typical mast will include an upper deck platform 30d having a railing 30f and potentially other top mounted structures 30e such as a cage railing. FIG. 2A shows a lighting system 32 mounted to the upper railings of the drilling mast.

(24) In a first embodiment, and as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2B-2G, an LED lighting system 32 includes separate corner-mounted LED lighting assemblies 40 each having a plurality of LED lamp assemblies 40a. The LED lamp assemblies 40a are connected to and supported by an air flow conduit (AFC) 40b that has a generally hollow interior enabling air to be drafted upwardly through the AFC. The AFC provides structural support to the LED lamp assemblies 40a and enables effective heat dissipation from the LED lamp assemblies to maintain desired operating temperatures within each LED lamp assembly and LED. The AFC is attached to the drilling mast via appropriate connectors and will generally be installed in a substantially vertical orientation. Within the AFC, a system of cooling fins 40c (see FIG. 2G in particular) is preferably configured to increase the surface area of the AFC and otherwise improve heat transfer from the system.

(25) As shown, each of the LED lamp assemblies 40a is pivotally connected to the AFC allowing individual manipulation of an LED lamp assembly for directing light where it may be required. Power for the LED lamp assemblies is provided by a power controller 42 mounted to each AFC.

(26) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, air may passively draft upwardly through the AFC from a lower entry position 40d to an upper exit position 40e. In this example, heated air within the AFC and derived from the LED lamp assemblies will rise within the AFC to create an air draft such that colder air is drawn in at the entry position 40d and warmer air is expelled through the exit 40e. The upper exit position may include a cap 40f to prevent precipitation from entering the AFC.

(27) As shown in FIGS. 2D-2G, in one embodiment, a forced air convention system may be provided to actively move air through the AFC via a fan system 44. In this case, a fan having fan blades and a motor is configured to the AFC at the lower entry 40d and operates to pull cold air into the AFC and move it upwardly towards the exit 40e.

(28) In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3-3D, a branched AFC lighting system 50 is described. In this embodiment, a branched AFC conduit 52 has a vertical conduit 52a and two or more horizontal conduits 52 b,c (or substantially vertical and substantially horizontal). FIG. 3 shows a branched system 50 configured to the upper railings of a drilling mast and FIG. 3A shows a branched lighting system 50 configured to the upper corners of a drilling mast. As with the other embodiments, air can be moved through the system from a lower entry position 50c by fan 53, upwardly and then outwardly from two or more branches exits 50d, 50e. As shown, LED lamp assemblies 40a may be mounted to the vertical 52a and horizontal conduits 52 b,c. Each branch may be coplanar (e.g. 50b, 50c) with one another and may also include additional non-coplanar branches (e.g 50f, 50c).

(29) As shown in FIG. 3D, the branched AFC will preferably include internal fins 54 to increase the surface area for heat dissipation.

(30) Importantly, for each of the above described embodiments, the AFC provides a combination of heat sink capabilities and structural support for a plurality of LED lamp assemblies. In contrast, prior art systems provide only provide heat sink capabilities through non-structural members.

(31) FIGS. 4 and 4A show another embodiment similar to the branched AFC above but where cooling air is actively pushed against an LED lamp assembly 60. In this embodiment, a fan system 62 drafts air through additional AFC 64 having an LED lamp assembly 60 adjacent a conduit exit 64a. In this case, a combination of vertical 64b and horizontal 64c and angled 64d conduits collectively provide air movement from the fan system to the exits 64a. As shown, each LED lamp assembly 60 has a bracket connection system 66 and system of cooling fins 68. Importantly, in this embodiment, the cooling fins 68 may be substantially smaller and lighter than the cooling fins on a prior art lamp assembly as sufficient heat transfer from the LED lamp assembly is enabled due to the active air flow over the cooling fins. In one embodiment (FIG. 4B), the cooling fins may be arranged in a generally radial pattern (or spiral pattern (not shown)) from the center of the back of the lamp assembly to provide radial channels to the outside edges of the lamp assembly to the flow of air from the conduits. A generally radial or spiral pattern of cooling fins helps promote an even flow of air over the entire surface of the lamp assembly thus providing even cooling to all lamps within the lamp assembly as well as continuous air cleaning of the cooling fins. Importantly, the cooling fins in these embodiments would generally not be sufficient to enable the LED lamp assembly to operate at the desired light output as a standalone lamp assembly. That is, sufficient cooling is normally only achieved by the movement of cooling air over the LED lamp assembly, particularly when operating at ambient temperatures at, around or above 20° C.

(32) In various embodiments, the cooling fins 68 may be partially enclosed via additional ducting to manage air flow over the cooling fins.

(33) FIGS. 4C and 4D show one embodiment having a duct collar 64e to promote an even flow of air over the cooling fins. In this case, a duct collar is pivotally connected to angled conduit 64d to direct air flow against cooling fins 68 in a substantially perpendicular direction to the cooling fins and/or in a direction that promotes passage of the cooling air through the cooling fins. That is, by providing a short channel that directs cooling air through the cooling fins, air will be directed more evenly across the back of the LED lamp assembly. In one embodiment, a small gap 69 is provided between the duct collar and angled conduit to enable an increased air flow against the cooling fins through the duct collar. That is, the movement of air through the duct collar will draw additional air in through the gap 69 thus increasing air flow.

(34) Weight Reduction

(35) By moving the heat sink capabilities and/or air flow to the structural members, the weight of each LED lamp assembly can be reduced by reducing the size of or eliminating heat sink fins from the housing.

(36) Potential weight reductions are illustrated by way of example and as shown in Table 2 for various sub-assemblies of an LED lighting system. In this representative example, for 16 LEDs contained within a lamp housing 210 (FIG. 7A for example), the total weight of a LED lamp assembly including 16 LED lamps, an aluminum housing, cabling and housing covering can be reduced to approximately 2-3 kg as compared to current systems having passively cooling fins mounted to the housing and which typically weigh 12 kg each.

(37) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Representative Weights of Lighting System Sub-Assemblies for a 1.2 MM total lumen LED Lighting System and Mass/Lumen Sub-Assembly/ Weight Total Weight Parameter (lbs) [kgs] Number (lbs) [kgs] LED Lamp Assembly 6 [2.7] 6 per corner 36 [16.3] Air Flow Conduit and 46 [30.4] 2 per corner 92 [41.8] Electrical Assembly Support Frame 20 [9.1]  1 per corner 20 [9.1]  Total Weight 148 [67.2]  Total Weight for 4 592 [268.8] corners of mast Mass/Lumen 0.224 (g/lumen)

(38) Thus, as shown in FIG. 7A and Table 2, a total of 6 LED lamp assemblies for one corner of a drilling mast may weight approximately 16.3 kgs. Two aluminum AFCs 212 including their electrical assemblies and for mounting a total of 6 LED lamp assemblies may weigh approximately 41.8 kg. A support frame may weigh approximately 9.1 kgs. Accordingly, the entire weight of 6 LED lamp assemblies and the support system would be approximately 67.2 kg and be capable of 300,000 lumens.

(39) Thus, for a drilling mast having 4 LED lighting systems and 1.2 MM lumens as shown in FIG. 7A, the total weight of the LED lighting system would be approximately 268 kg which is significantly lower than current systems weighing upwards of 500 kg for the same light capabilities of approximately 1.2 million lumens (assuming both systems are operated to maintain recommended junction temperatures and utilize similar LEDs). As such, the subject system can dramatically reduce the total mass of an LED lighting system and significantly decrease the added weight/lumen.

(40) Net Weight Reduction

(41) As shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the LED lighting system is integrated to upper regions of a drilling mast where an existing steel railing system 30f is replaced with an LED lighting system where the AFCs of the LED lighting system form the railings of the upper mast thus further reducing the net weight addition of the LED lighting system.

(42) By way of example, and as shown in FIG. 2, a typical mast has a steel handrail assembly that weighs approximately 45-90 kg (100-200 lbs). As shown in FIG. 5, by removing the steel handrail and replacing the steel system with an LED lighting system 70 where the AFC of the LED lighting system provides railing structures, a significant reduction in overall weight can be achieved. In this example, for a square or rectangular mast head, the vertical corner posts and horizontal rails of the steel handrail assembly are replaced with a combination of vertical 70a and horizontal 70h AFCs that support a plurality of LED lamp assemblies 70b supported on conduits 70c. The interior channels with the AFCs enable cooling air to be directed to each LED lamp assembly as described above. The AFCs may completely replace existing railings. In some embodiments, non-AFC aluminum railing may be utilized to fill in any gaps as may be required.

(43) As such, by removing 90 kg (200 lbs) of steel handrails and adding a 300 kg (650 lbs) (representative example weight) integrated lighting and railing system 70 the “net added weight” to the rig is only 210 kg (460 lbs).

(44) In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, a steel cage railing 30e may also be replaced with a lighter metal structure such as aluminum, to further reduce the net added weight. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the net added weight/lumen is further reduced as shown in Table 3.

(45) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Representative Net Added Weight/lumen for Integrated LED Lighting and Railing System Parameter Value Lumens 1.2 MM/1.5 MM LED Lighting System 300 kg Weight g/lumen 0.25 g/lumen@1.2 MM lumen 0.2 g/lumen @1.5 MM lumen Steel Railing Removed −90 kg Net Added Weight/Lumen 0.175 g/lumen 0.14 g/lumen @1.5 MM lumen

(46) Accordingly, as can be seen from Table 3, substantially lower effective weight/lumen ratios can be achieved by and integrated LED lighting and railings system.

(47) In one embodiment, the integrated lighting and railing system is a single, modular unit that can be configured to the drilling rig mast at site whilst the drilling rig mast is in a horizontal position. The integrated lighting and railing system may be transported independently from the drilling rig mast or connected to it during transportation. If transportable in a connected position, the integrated lighting and railing system may include pivoting arms that can be moved towards a central axis of the mast.

(48) Other features and embodiments of the lighting system are described below.

(49) AFC Design

(50) AFCs are designed to provide a) sufficient heat transfer or air flow capabilities and b) structural strength to mount the desired number of LED lamp assemblies. From a mass and heat conductivity perspective, aluminum will generally provide the best properties for both heat conductivity and reducing weight. Rectangular or square AFCs can be assembled from aluminum panels with additional fin systems mounted to the interior (or exterior) of the conduit. Similarly, for round AFCs, extruded aluminum tubes can be readily assembled to form a branched or straight structure again with a fin system configured to the interior of the conduit. Both systems, rectangular or round or other profiles, will have sufficient void spaces to allow sufficient air flow through each AFC.

(51) Fan System

(52) In those LED lighting systems having a fan, the fan may be operated at one or more fixed speeds or may dynamically adjust air flow through each AFC depending on cooling requirements and as may be determined by a control scheme. In one embodiment, for example, a representative LED lighting system having 12 LED lamp assemblies having 16 LEDs, a fixed air flow of 500 cfm may be effective to continuously circulate air to effect cooling in which case power consumption of each fan system will be in range of 100 Watts.

(53) Lamp Housing

(54) Each LED lamp assembly, of either configuration in FIGS. 2 and 3 or FIG. 4 as the specific case may be, will include a lamp housing supporting LEDs, reflectors and a transparent cover. A housing can be manufactured or assembled from an extruded aluminum profile or flat aluminum panels or a combination thereof.

(55) For example, for the embodiment as shown in FIG. 4 where cooling air is directed against the back of an LED housing, the LED lamp housing may include a relatively low surface area of cooling fins and a hence non-traditional appearance when compared to the surface area of cooling fins of a traditional standalone LED lamp assembly and that would typically be required for a specified lumen output.

(56) For the embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, where heat is conducted through an AFC away from the LED lamp assembly, the back of the LED housing may also have a non-traditional appearance of heat sink fins and have even less surface area when compared to the surface area of cooling fins of a traditional standalone LED lamp assembly.

(57) Mounting Brackets

(58) Each LED lamp assembly or LED lamp housing is attached to an AFC through a mounting bracket, which is preferably adjustable. In the case of the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the brackets provide effective heat transfer from the LED lamp housing to the AFC. In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 4, the brackets may at least partially assist in directing air over the back of the LED lamp housing. Aluminum brackets and/or strapping can provide effective heat transfer while reducing weight.

(59) Operation

(60) In a typical operating scenario with average ambient conditions, for example lower night temperatures, some air movement, precipitation, and/or cooler seasonal temperatures, the operating temperature of each LED lamp assembly may remain below a recommended operating temperature. However, under various conditions, for example warm summer nights, no wind and/or no precipitation, the operating temperature may rise towards or above a recommended operating temperature. Similarly, the operator may temporarily require more light and increase the power to the LED lighting system.

(61) Generally, the system controller can actively monitor junction temperature and a. reduce power to the LEDs if the temperature rises or increase power to the LEDs as temperature drops or b. increase or decrease the air flow rate through each AFC as the temperature rises or drops.

(62) In other situations, an operator may selectively choose to increase the light output of the system in which case, the system may allow a temporary increase in power and temperature for a time period and/or increase the air flow rate through the AFC to maintain temperature at the recommended level.

(63) In other situations, the system is designed so that the forced air flow and other design features described herein are fixed and not variable such that there is a contingency of heat dissipation capacity for the environmental changes between summer and winter and wherein the LED lighting system provides a reliable and predictable amount of light on target.

(64) The control system in one embodiment of the present invention incorporates logic that turns the LED lighting system on and off based on the sunrise and sunset time for that location, the controller logic updating itself daily and automatically from satellites thereby minimizing the need for attention by and tasks required by humans.

(65) In another embodiment, the LED lighting system includes a battery or energy storage system configured to the LED lighting system whereby the lights can remain powered in the event of a blackout condition whereby the rig generators may fault and be off-line for a period of time. The backup system may be any one of Lithium batteries, capacitors, generators with control system that auto-starts the generator when needed, or other means of power backup reliability of common means.

(66) FIGS. 6 and 6A show another embodiment where LEDs are configured to a telescopic pole where heat sink capabilities are provided by the telescopic pole 100. In this case, the telescopic pole includes both an inner pole and an outer pole 100b fixed to the housing 36. The inner pole is frictionally engaged with the outer pole allowing the lighting array to be selectively positioned along the inner pole. Importantly, the outer pole 100b is in heat transfer contact with the housing 36 through a contact system such as a weld bead 102 allowing heat to transfer through the housing to the outer pole. During operation, and under conditions as described above, the inner pole may also act as a heat sink. These embodiments may be particularly suited for portable construction applications where lighting systems are being regularly moved, positioned and oriented by workers.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

(67) With reference to FIGS. 7-7F, further embodiments are described having additional features that provide light weight and high output light.

(68) FIG. 7 shows an integrated assembly (IA) 200 having 4 lamp assemblies 202, air flow conduits (AFC) 210 and a main conduit 212. The integrated assembly 200 is configured to the upper deck of a drilling mast via a support pole 204, support arm 206 and hinge connector 208 to position the IA outside the upper deck railing of the drilling mast and allows individual lamp assemblies 202 to project their output light in a generally downward and outward direction.

(69) FIG. 7A shows each corner of a drilling mast supporting two IAs 200 vertically and horizontally separated from one another. In this case, the support system includes additional support members 206a, 206b, 206b′ that provide horizontal support for each IA as well as vertical separation. Upper and lower support members 206b, 206b′ may be of different lengths to enable horizontal separation between the two IAs. In addition, connector 206c allows pivoting of the support member 206a about a vertical axis. Vertical support member 206a may also be horizontally positioned on support member 206 to enable horizontal extension or retraction of the IAs relative to the drilling mast. Connector 208 also enables inward pivoting of the entire assembly in order to locate the IAs inside the outer perimeter of the drilling mast which is particularly useful during raising and lowering of the mast and/or during transportation of the drilling mast.

(70) As shown in FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B and 7C, the main conduit 212 is generally a square or rectangular aluminum conduit that supports the lamp assemblies 202 through the AFCs 210. The main conduit may include handles 212a. The main conduit 212 shown has sections (a, b, c, d) each supporting one lamp assembly and angled (angle A) with respect to one another as shown in FIG. 7B such that each lamp assembly has a different projection direction.

(71) Each main conduit includes end caps 212e at each end of the main conduit that provide an inlet cover duct to the main conduit and weather protection to the drivers and cooling fans (explained below).

(72) Generally, in operation, cooling air is actively drawn in through the end caps 212e, through the main conduit and downwardly and against each lamp assembly 202 through AFCs 210.

(73) Referring to FIG. 7C, additional details of an IA are shown and specifically the location of power drivers 214 that control power to one or more lamp assemblies as described below.

(74) Individual lamp assemblies may also be individually adjusted to provide a desired light direction.

(75) Lamp Assembly and LED Reflector Design

(76) As shown in FIGS. 7D-7J, the design of individual lamp assemblies 202, LEDs 220 and reflectors 222 is described for mast applications. For context, in a typical drilling mast application, the lighting system may be mounted at the top of a drilling mast 30-60 m above the ground. As it is desirable to have relatively sharp boundaries between lighted and non-lighted areas at the work location, to create a precise projection/throw from each reflector, the design of the lamp assemblies, LEDs and reflectors includes a number of features that enables a precise light projection/throw. Importantly, this feature also contributes to providing light weight for high light output.

(77) FIG. 7D shows a cross section of a lamp assembly 202. As in other embodiments, the lamp assembly includes a housing 202a having cooling fins 202b and transparent cover 202c. A plurality of LEDs 220 and reflectors 222 (typically 16) are mounted at the base of the housing 202a.

(78) As shown in FIG. 7D, each LED 220 is positioned within a reflector such that light emanating from an LED will diverge from the outer edges of the reflector within a relatively tight beam path (BP). The beam path is determined by the depth (D) of the reflector relative to the width (W) of the base and the proximity of the LED to the inner walls of the reflector. Generally, a tighter beam path is enabled by positioning the LED closer to the base of the reflector and by the depth D of the reflector. However, this also causes heat from an operating LED to directly heat the base of the reflector.

(79) As noted, in addition to minimizing the weight, it is also desired to reduce the cost of each reflector; hence, it is desirable that the LED reflectors 222 are plastic such as a metalized polycarbonate. Metalized polycarbonate has a number of optical advantages over metal surfaces as well as manufacturing advantages insomuch that it can be injection molded and hence is relatively inexpensive to produce as compared to cast metal reflectors.

(80) Accordingly, to minimize effects of heat immediately adjacent the LED, the outer surfaces of the base of the reflector are configured with a metallic heat sink 224 (having a conductive thermal mass) (see FIGS. 7H and 7J for example) that is in heat exchange contact with the lower outer walls of the reflector, an LED printed circuit board 230 (FIG. 7K) and indirectly the lamp assembly housing 202a. As such, direct heat from the LED can be conveyed away from the reflector as a result of the thermal mass of the heat sink and its surface area contact with the LED printed circuit board 230 and the lamp housing. Importantly, the heat sink can prevent the temperature of a metalized plastic reflector from overheating in that the heat sink enables a more efficient transfer of heat away from the base of the reflector.

(81) In one specific embodiment, the LED 220 has approximate outer dimensions of 7×7 mm, the base of the reflector has an inner dimension of 7.5×7.5 mm and a depth of 26 mm. The top dimensions of the reflector are 20×29 mm with wall angles approximately 30° in the short dimension and 50° in the long dimension. It is to be appreciated that the inner walls 222c of the reflector may also be slightly parabolic in shape to further minimize reflection that would diffuse light leaving the reflector.

(82) In one embodiment, the heat sink 224 (FIG. 7J) has lower outer dimensions of approximately 19×25 mm and upper outer dimensions of 21×28 mm and a total height of 12 mm. The heat sink 224 is shown schematically in FIG. 7H before (left side) and after assembly (right side) when it is configured to the outer base of a reflector.

(83) Furthermore, and as shown in FIGS. 7F-7I, in order to minimize weight and for convenience of assembly, two or more reflectors 222 are interconnected by a connection member 222a. The connection member 222a includes a connection bore 222b that can be used to seat an assembly screw 225 and thus provides consistent spacing and alignment of reflectors within a lamp assembly and allows connection to the lamp assembly by a single screw or other suitable connector. As understood, arrays of 2 or more reflectors may utilize similar connection members.

(84) FIG. 7K shows one embodiment of an LED printed circuit board 230 for use within a lamp assembly. In this embodiment, the board 230 is aluminum with 4 LEDs 220. The board includes internal power conducting traces (not shown) and is suitably insulated from the main board. The board includes a power connector 230a for interconnecting an array of LEDs and reflectors on separate LED printed circuit boards as well as connection holes 230b for aligning with the screw connector described above which in turn align two LEDs within the base of a reflector pair as shown in FIGS. 7F-7I.

(85) Suitable heat conductive pastes may be utilized between mating surfaces to enhance heat transfer from surfaces exposed to LED heat.

(86) Power and Control System

(87) The control system is designed to efficiently provide power to a number of IAs, provide effective temperature monitoring and power control to minimize the risk of overheating and hence damage to the light system while also minimizing the weight of the cabling required to power a number of IAs that may be configured to a drilling mast.

(88) A control system is shown in FIG. 8. Power is routed up the mast via a connecting cable 250 to a control box 252. The control box includes cable connectors for connecting the power cable to the top-of-mast power and control system. The control box may include other functionality including for example GPS location and/or Bluetooth communication systems for reporting information such as location and/or system parameters to rig/service operators. In one embodiment, power is delivered at ˜208V, 3 phase, 30 A (max) and power rating of 7-8 kW.

(89) As noted above, the drilling mast may be configured with up to 8 IAs (although this may be greater with some embodiments). Each IA will generally be daisy-chained together to minimize the length (and hence weight) of power cables at the top of the mast. As shown in FIG. 8, the control box is connected to a first junction box 254 within an IA 212. The junction box 254 directs power within the IA to one or more lamp assembly drivers 254a, 254b and 254c.

(90) In addition, power is directed to a fan circuit 254d, which in turn delivers power to one or more fans 254e, 254f. The fan circuit is provided with a thermosensitive switch to deactivate the fan circuit if the ambient air temperature is below a threshold such as below −5 C. If the temperature is above the threshold, the fans will be activated.

(91) Each driver 254a, 254b, 254c is connected to a lamp assembly 202 via power cable 254g to a power/thermo board 203. The power/thermo board delivers power to each LED assembly 203a, 203b, 203c within the lamp assembly. As described above, each LED assembly may include one or more LEDs 220 operatively connected to a printed circuit board 230 and each LED assembly may be daisy-chained together.

(92) The power/thermo board 203 monitors temperature within the lamp assembly and includes logic to monitor and report threshold temperatures to a specific lamp assembly driver. If the power/thermo board determines the temperature is rising (for example through a temperature range of 67-77° C.), the drivers 203a, 203b, 203c will progressively and individually reduce the current to each lamp assembly to limit the temperature rise of a lamp assembly using an open loop control within the control unit. Thus, as each lamp assembly has its own power/thermo board and driver, each lamp assembly is independently controlled in terms of maintaining an operating temperature within a desired range.

(93) Each junction box 254 may be connected to adjacent IAs, either on the same corner or another location of a drilling mast in a daisy-chain manner and ultimately back to the control box.

(94) Light Projection

(95) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 9A, light from a plurality of IAs each having a number of lamp assemblies will downwardly and outwardly project light to the surface and intersecting the surface as a series of generally trapezoidal-shaped light patterns. As shown in FIG. 9, the light pattern of each lamp assembly will preferably be directed so as to overlap with one or more adjacent lamp assemblies so as to fully illuminate a desired area.

(96) Importantly, the outer edges of the light projection will be reasonably sharp so as to minimize light pollution outside the desired area but also to minimize light in an area immediately adjacent the mast which may be a working area and where it may be desired to prevent extremely bright lights from “blinding” workers in a specific working area.

(97) Transportation

(98) In other embodiments, where the crown or upper regions of a mast are retrofit to receive a LED lighting system that is a stand alone add-on, or partially or fully replaces components such as a railing, the LED lighting system may no longer project laterally or more specifically downward from the mast when the mast is laid in its horizontal position for transport and/or may be withdrawn towards the central axis of the mast. In this case, the LED lighting system may be permanently (or semi-permanently) retained on the mast thereby reducing or obviating the need for manpower and equipment to install/uninstall the LED lighting system prior to and after transportation.

(99) Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with respect to preferred embodiments and preferred uses thereof, it is not to be so limited since modifications and changes can be made therein which are within the full, intended scope of the invention as understood by those skilled in the art.